The Career Refresh with Jill Griffin: Leadership Strategy for Senior Professionals – Details, episodes & analysis

What if failure wasn’t something to avoid—but a skill to master? In this episode, I share a fresh take on how to handle setbacks, manage your mind, and turn mistakes into momentum.

• Why your brain resists failure (and how to outsmart it)
• The mindset shift that transforms “mistakes” into data
• How to stop hiding in research and start taking action
• Understand what creates confidence 

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Ever worked with someone who dominates every conversation, name-drops constantly, and gets visibly upset when they're left out of the loop? They're not just seeking attention, they're seeking safety. In this episode, we unpack the psychology behind the "Connector-Competitor" workplace archetype and explore why their behavior matters more than you think, for you, your team, and even for them.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why attention-seeking behavior is actually rooted in insecurity and how recognizing this shifts your entire approach to working with (or being) this person
• Five practical strategies to set boundaries and protect your energy without becoming "the bad guy" or escalating workplace tension
• How to tell if YOU might be the Connector-Competitor plus one simple question that can transform how you show up in conversations and build genuine connection

Whether you're navigating this dynamic with a colleague or recognizing these patterns in yourself, this episode offers compassionate insight and actionable tools for healthier workplace relationships.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

We are still on our summer break so we are dropping this episode: Greatest Hits: The Thank-You Note Advantage

In a digital world, a thank-you note still stands out. In this episode, Kristian Schwartz, founder of The Montgomery Group, shares why this simple gesture can elevate your professional brand and help you leave a lasting impression—especially during the job search.

You’ll learn:

• Why thank-you notes matter more than ever
• The surprising impact when candidates don’t send them
• Digital vs. handwritten: what works best and when
• How generational views shape thank-you note etiquette
• Why this small step builds your long-term career reputation

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Founded in 2014, Threads of Hershey's philosophy is clear: everyone needs a wardrobe whisperer. A wardrobe whisperer simplifies and enhances your closet style, helping you discover flattering silhouettes and versatile essentials. As your wardrobe whisperer, Threads guides you through essential steps: closet editing, styling, and strategic shopping, boosting your confidence and productivity. In this episode, we discuss: 

• Pivoting Professional Skills for Passion-Driven Business
• Trust and Listening as Foundations for Success
• Emphasizing Personal Confidence Over Trends
• Style: The Art of Editing, Not Just Adding
• Style tips for the current season
• The Universality of the Threads' Method
• Supporting Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moore's "Take Action in Fashion" Initiative

Show Guests
Kristen Campbell, the founder of Threads of Hershey since 2014, fuses her passion for fashion with her scientific background. She employs the Threads Method, a step-by-step approach, to simplify and enhance clients' wardrobes, positively impacting their well-being. 

Kristin Argento, Co-Owner and Director of PR, Marketing, and Strategic Relationships, drives brand growth by crafting precise messaging, enhancing client access to cutting-edge fashion offerings, and fostering community engagement.

Follow Threads of Hershey:
Instagram
Facebook
Youtube

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Ashok Sinha is the Senior VP of Corporate Communications at Dow Jones, overseeing global communication functions. In this episode, we discuss:

• The Value of Storytelling for Excelling in Any Field
• Importance of Passion in Work
• Focus on Transferable Skills and Building Relationships
• Why Focusing on Inclusivity and Equity for Diverse Employees is better for business
• The Role of Allyship from Colleagues and Executive Leadership
• Why Self-Identity and Self-Expression Leads to a Successful Career

Show Guest
Ashok Sinha is the Senior VP of Corporate Communications at Dow Jones, overseeing global communication functions. Before this, he was Senior VP of Corporate Communications and PR at Audacy, a leading audio content company. Ashok has also held senior communication roles at WarnerMedia, NBCUniversal, Viacom, and Publicis Media. He is a board member of the 4As Foundation, which focuses on increasing diversity in advertising, media, and marketing. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a Master of Fine Arts in Theater from the California Institute of the Arts. Follow him on LinkedIn

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

“Tell me about your weakness” could be the most annoying and confusing question to receive during a job interview. Should you answer honestly? Should you find the silver lining and tell the interviewer how you grew because of your weakness? So many questions. In this episode, I discuss: 

• What this question is really about
• How to reframe the question in your brain
• The best way to lean into your blindspots to answer this question

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

• Why the 'dream job' is a myth
• When to consider a good enough job
• The difference between a good enough,  an in-between, and a sober job

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Conversational narcissists consistently steer conversations back to themselves and their own experiences, often without showing genuine interest in what others say. They exhibit a pattern of self-centered behavior in conversation. In this episode, we discuss: 

• Understanding Conversational Narcissism
• Practical Strategies for Dealing
• Four Steps to Reclaim Control while Maintaining your Cool

Mentioned on the show:
The Career Refresh, Survivors guide to the office narcissist
How to Destroy Everything, available on all podcast platforms

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Christine Stack, Vice President and head of Human Resources | CIS Americas at Capgemini. Christine is a results-driven and passionate leader known for her creative problem-solving, teamwork, and thought leadership. She excels as a partner, collaborator, and team builder, with a strong reputation for integrity and inclusiveness. Her consistent recognition comes from her ability to identify, attract, nurture, and retain exceptional talent. In this episode, we discuss:

• Her career pivot involved transitioning from a media background to a role in HR and Talent Acquisition
• Why empathy is crucial in establishing credibility in your field
• Unconscious bias is detrimental to organizational culture 
• Capgemini's commitment to inclusivity 
• How she addressed and overcame her own bias, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in combating bias
• Job descriptions should be about WHAT, not the HOW
• The inherent flaw with all resumes

Follow Christine Stack on LinkedIn

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Kristian Schwartz spearheads The Montgomery Group, a boutique search firm he established, specializing in senior-level marketing and media placements. Kristian is a seasoned strategic leader renowned for elevating premier brands through a blend of strategic hiring and consulting expertise. He has extensive experience working on various facets of the industry, and his professional journey includes tenure at renowned companies such as Wired Magazine, Razorfish, and Sapient, where he collaborated with influential Fortune 500 brands like Visa, Verizon, Clorox, Unilever, and Hewlett-Packard. In this episode, we discuss: 

• Best Practices for Effective Collaboration with Executive Search Partners
• The Importance of Nurturing Relationships
• How to find Recruiters
• Key Elements Sought by Recruiters in Resumes
• The Crucial Role of Career Strategy
• Adapting Resume Requirements for Recruiters versus Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Mentioned on the show  Forbes List of America’s Top Recruiting Firms
Get a copy of Kristian Schwartz's Win a Day HERE

Show guest:
Kristian Schwartz is a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience driving digital transformation and marketing initiatives. Recognizing his knack for spotting transformative talent, Kristian transitioned into executive search at Korn Ferry, rising to Senior Partner in the Integrated and Digital Marketing practice. Presently, he leads The Montgomery Group, a boutique search firm he founded, which specializes in senior-level marketing and media placements. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Microeconomics from the University of Oregon, Kristian, a dedicated father to twin daughters, enjoys activities such as cycling, cooking, and fly fishing.

Follow Kristian Schwartz on LinkedIn

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh. She works with senior leaders to navigate complexity, strengthen teams, and lead with greater clarity and intention.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 8-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical